Soft washing is a specialised and gentler alternative to traditional pressure washing, primarily used for cleaning delicate surfaces and removing organic stains like algae, mold, mildew, and moss. Unlike the high-pressure water jets used in pressure washing, soft washing employs a combination of low-pressure water and environmentally-friendly cleaning solutions to achieve thorough and safe cleaning results.

The primary distinction between soft washing and pressure washing lies in the approach to cleaning and the surfaces they’re suited for. While pressure washing relies on forceful water streams to mechanically remove dirt and grime, soft washing prioritizes chemical action to break down and dissolve contaminants. Here’s a closer look at the key components of soft washing:

1. Low Pressure: Soft washing utilizes a pressure that’s significantly lower than that of traditional pressure washing. This helps prevent damage to delicate surfaces, such as roofing materials, siding, painted surfaces, and more. The low pressure ensures that even fragile materials are cleaned without the risk of water penetration or structural harm.
2. Cleaning Solutions: The heart of soft washing lies in the use of specialized cleaning solutions. These solutions are designed to target and eliminate organic growth like algae, mold, and mildew. They are usually biodegradable and environmentally friendly, reducing the impact on the ecosystem. The cleaning solutions are applied using a low-pressure sprayer, allowing them to penetrate the contaminants and break them down at a molecular level.
3. Thorough Cleaning: Soft washing achieves deep and comprehensive cleaning by attacking the root cause of the staining or growth. Instead of simply removing surface dirt, the cleaning solutions kill the organic matter and prevent it from regrowing quickly. This leads to longer-lasting results compared to pressure washing alone.
4. Versatility: Soft washing is suitable for a wide range of surfaces, making it a versatile cleaning method. It can be used on various exterior surfaces, including roofs, siding, decks, fences, driveways, and more. Its gentle approach ensures that even fragile surfaces like shingles or stucco can be effectively cleaned without causing any damage.
5. Safety: One of the key advantages of soft washing is its safety. Since it doesn’t rely on high pressure, there’s a significantly reduced risk of causing structural damage or pushing water beneath surfaces. This makes soft washing an excellent choice for older homes, surfaces with delicate coatings, and areas prone to water penetration.
6. Professional Expertise: While soft washing can be done by homeowners, it’s often recommended to seek professional assistance. Trained technicians understand the appropriate cleaning solutions and techniques for different surfaces, ensuring optimal results without risking damage.

In summary, soft washing is a modern and effective approach to exterior cleaning that priorities both cleanliness and the preservation of surfaces. By utilising low pressure and specialised cleaning solutions, soft washing can safely and thoroughly remove organic growth, stains, and dirt from a variety of surfaces. Whether you’re dealing with a stained roof, a mouldy deck, or algae-covered siding, soft washing offers a gentle yet powerful solution to refresh and renew the appearance of your property while minimising the risk of damage.